Memorial Gallery

Police Officer John S. Thomas Jr.

• End of Watch: Wednesday, October 29, 1969
• Biographical Info: Age: 24
• Badge Number: 58
• Cause of Death: Automobile accident
• Date of Incident: Wednesday, October 29, 1969

Officer Thomas was killed in an automobile accident while responding to reports of people trapped inside of an overturned vehicle. He had been with the agency for one year and was survived by his wife, young son, and parents.

Police Officer Craig William Rath

• End of Watch: Thursday, May 27, 1999
• Biographical Info: Age: 28
• Badge Number: 206
• Cause of Death: Automobile accident
• Date of Incident: Thursday, May 27, 1999

Officer Rath served as an officer with the Street Drug Enforcement Section. He was killed as a result of a traffic crash while on duty. Officer Rath and his fellow officers had completed a surveillance operation and were leaving the area when he collided with another vehicle. He is survived by his wife.

Police Officer Ryan E. Cappelletty

• End of Watch: Wednesday, May 28, 2003
• Biographical Info: Age: 23
• Badge Number: 301
• Cause of Death: Gunfire
• Date of Incident: Wednesday, May 28, 2003

Officer Cappelletty was shot and killed after he and another officer responded to reports of gun shots on South Ridge Drive shortly before 0700 hours. When the officers arrived, they encountered a suspect with a gun standing in the front lawn of a home. The suspect opened fire on the officers, who then returned fire. Officer Cappelletty and the suspect were both fatally wounded. Officer Cappelletty was transported to CJW Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds.

Police Officer Gary J. Buro

• End of Watch: Thursday, May 4, 2006
• Biographical Info: Age 34
• Badge Number: 124
• Cause of Death: Gunfire
• Date of Incident: Thursday, May 4, 2006

Officer Buro was shot and killed when he and another officer responded to a domestic dispute at 1:19 a.m. on Totty Street. As both officers attempted to talk with the male suspect, a struggle ensued and the suspect shot and killed Officer Buro. Despite being shot several times, the second officer returned fire and killed the suspect.

Officer Buro served with the Chesterfield County Police Department for five months. He was an 11-year police veteran who previously served with the New York City Police Department for six years and the Lantana Police Department in Florida for five years. He also served with the United States Marine Corps as a military police officer for four years. Officer Buro was a widower and is survived by his parents, sister and brother.